Impact of integrity-based approach to ethics management on project performance

Purpose Construction project procurement faces various unethical practices chaired by construction organisation leaders. In fact, organisations with technical competence could also explore unethical ties with public officers and influential citizens to win bids. Meanwhile, integrity-based approach to ethics management (IBAEM) in which ethical leaders chair organisations, departments or units, is considered as an effective approach to curb unethical menace in project delivery and sustain organisation reputation. Therefore, this study aims to examine the impact of IBAEM metrics on construction project performance (PPF). Design/methodology/approach This study investigated the relationships between IBAEM metrics (management responsibility [MRE], ethics monitoring [EMO] and ethics training [ETA] and PPF). The data from 149 Nigerian construction professionals collected through survey was analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling. Findings The results of the analysis indicated that MRE (ß = 0.274) and EMO (ß = 0.303) are most significantly associated with PPF. This implies that the ethical stand of senior management with EMO strategies are fundamental to getting construction professionals to execute construction projects to time, cost and quality. Social implications Based on the study’s findings, about half of respondents reported participating in formal ETA, while other ethics management tools were also in operation across various organisations. Meanwhile, ETA does not significantly contribute to PPF. This implies that construction organisations are likely to maintain formal structures for ETA and other ethics management tools within their establishments. The willingness to put the knowledge acquired in the formal ETA, which can translate to executing projects to required quality, cost and time rest with individual professionals rather than the organisation as a whole. Originality/value Past studies explored the effect of a single IBAEM metric such as ETA or MRE on PPF or other outcomes. This study is unique in that it explores the impact of multiple IBAEM metrics and control variables, namely years of work experience of construction professionals and size of organisation impact the delivery of project to time, cost and quality. The study’s findings contribute theoretically and practically to ethical discourse in construction organisations by unveiling IBAEM metric that should be further strengthened in construction industry of developing nations.